Customer Reviews:

• "Jan Turner’s THE MAGICAL NINE is a user-friendly guide to writing poetry in the author’s nine invented poetry forms. The well-designed format makes this book an ideal reference for both writers and teachers. The book is divided into 9 sections: one section for each form. Each section contains an illustrated title page featuring an original pen and ink drawing by Turner followed by an example written in that form. The rules of the form are then clearly explained and are followed by a second example with color-coded highlights demonstrating an essential aspect or aspects of the form, such as rhyme, meter, or placement of refrain repeats. (In the example for the Trijan Refrain, the syllables that become the repeated refrain appear in red font as a quick reference aid.) This device augments the rules of the forms, and demonstrates how to bring these rules to life in a poem. All the examples are poems by Turner which adds an intrinsically personal dimension to the chapbook.

Having written poems in several of Turner’s forms, I am very pleased to have all of her invented forms in one practical, handy reference. Her forms are challenging and delightful. THE MAGICAL NINE is a most welcome addition to my poetry shelf." - Margaret R. Smith

• "Jan’s latest book is very different from her earlier books in that this one is a poetry manual. The layout is well done and easy to follow. Her nine original poetry forms are explained in a simple but effective way and are illustrated with her own poems.

I think I relate best to her poem, Tulip Time, which she used to illustrate the Florette form. Perhaps, in part, because I love tulips this poem was one I read many times. Reading the poem, I was transported to Michigan, surrounded by tulips.

Want to tiptoe through the tulips? Order your copy of The Magical Nine!" - Emily Romano